Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) continues to raise the bar in quality assurance and institutional excellence after being recognized at the 39th Annual National Conference and General Assembly of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, held on March 24, 2026, at the Century Park Hotel, Manila.

Marking a historic milestone, WMSU was awarded Institutional Accreditation Level III Status, making it the first and only State University and College (SUC) in Region IX to achieve this distinction. This recognition follows a rigorous three-day evaluation conducted by AACCUP accreditors from November 17 to 19, 2025, affirming the University’s steadfast commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Further elevating the University’s achievement, WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena was conferred the Manuel T. Corpus Outstanding Quality Champion Award, one of AACCUP’s highest honors named after its founder, Dr. Manuel T. Corpus. The award recognizes her visionary leadership in cultivating a culture of excellence through robust accreditation practices, strengthened quality assurance systems, and sustained institutional and international recognition. Her leadership continues to inspire innovation and elevate standards in higher education.

In the same event, Dr. Sarah S. Taupan, Director of the WMSU Quality Assurance Office, was honored with the Manuel T. Corpus Outstanding Accreditor Award. This recognition highlights her exemplary contributions to accreditation processes, particularly her commitment to upholding rigorous evaluation standards and her professionalism in service to AACCUP.

These achievements affirm WMSU’s dedication to excellence and its growing influence in shaping high-quality, responsive, and transformative higher education. (AIM-PAO)